Magnetic tube and delivery system

ABSTRACT

A combination container and applicator where the container has an outside surface and an interior and an extension tube which is magnetically attracted to the container outside surface such that when placed on the container the extension tube becomes releasably magnetically affixed to the outside surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

[0002] Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Aerosol spray containers typically have contents under pressurewhere the contents are delivered through a very small orifice in anozzle disposed on top of the canister. A valve is interposed betweenthe nozzle and the pressurized interior of the canister. Typically, thevalve is operated by pressing the top of the nozzle assembly, so as tocause the contents of the canister to spray from the nozzle in a conicalspray pattern that broadcasts the sprayed contents onto an item.

[0004] In many instances it is desirable to direct the spray into a moreprecise area than achieved by the conical spray pattern typicallyproduced. For this reason extension tubes have been utilized. Thesetubes have enabled the delivery of the contents of the canister onto aprecise area and for reaching areas which are relatively inaccessible.The tube is sized to fit a tube receiving bore that is concentric withthe spray orifice of the nozzle, so as to allow the contents of thecanister to travel from the spray orifice, through the extension tube,and out the distal end of the spray tube remote from the spray orifice.The extension tube is typically a flexible plastic tube about three orfour inches (7.6 to 10.2 cm.) in length, typically having an outerdiameter of about 2 mm and having an inner diameter of about 0.7 mm.

[0005] By positioning the distal end of the spray tube into therelatively inaccessible area while the proximal end of the spray tube isreceived into the tube-receiving bore in the nozzle, the contents of thecanister may be efficiently and easily delivered into that previouslyinaccessible area without spraying the contents onto an adjacent area ofthe item.

[0006] A well-known problem in this prior art is that of attaching theextension tube to the canister in such a way that the tube is readily onhand and accessible for future use. Efforts to solve this problem havebeen unsatisfactory. The spray tube extension generally is only used forcertain applications, it is not practical or desirable to permanentlyaffix the spray tube extension to the aerosol nozzle assembly, and, forthis reason, the spray tube extension is sized to fit a tube receivingbore that is concentric with the spray orifice of the nozzle for thosecertain uses of the aerosol spray canister which require such anextension.

[0007] Well-known prior art solutions to the problem of affixing thespray tube extension to the aerosol canister have been primarily throughmechanical means.

[0008] One such use has been affixing the tube to the surface of thecanister with cellophane tape. The use of cellophane tape is problematicbecause the tape and adhesive deteriorates over time as the tape isrepeatedly removed and reapplied or the tape is eventually torn as thetube is repeatedly inserted in the space between the canister and thetape. As such, loss of the extension tube is just a matter of time.

[0009] Another use has been affixing the tube to the canister throughthe use of a rubber band wrapped around the circumference of thecanister and elastically retaining the spray tube to the canister. Theuse of a rubber band to hold the spray tube to the aerosol canister isalso unsatisfactory in preventing loss because the rubber oftendeteriorates, causing the rubber band to break or lose its elasticity.

[0010] Another use, as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,824,040, is toaffix a larger retaining tube to the canister into which the extensiontube is placed. However, this adds size to the space occupied by theaerosol canister, and the retaining tube may fill up with debris andgunk after repeated use and replacement of the extension tube.

[0011] It is therefore desirable to produce an aerosol canister with anextension tube that is sized to fit a tube receiving bore that isconcentric with the spray orifice of the nozzle of the aerosol canisterand whose extension tube is readily accessible for immediate use on aconsistent basis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention in some of its embodiments provides anextension tube or applicator for an aerosol spray container in which theextension tube is magnetically attracted to the outside surface of thecontainer.

[0013] Magnetic attraction of the tube to the outside surface of thecontainer may be accomplished in one embodiment by constructing the tubeof a ferromagnetic material constructed of an alloy containing iron. Thecontainer may also be constructed of a ferromagnetic material such thatthe container is magnetically attracted to the tube which may beconstructed of an alloy containing iron.

[0014] The container may be of any type in which matter is held. Thisincludes aerosol containers, spray containers, compressed gascontainers, pumps and pump containers, siphoning bowls, and the like.The tube may include rigid tubes, flexible hoses, pump inflationneedles, extension tube nozzle attachments for aerosol containers,siphoning tubes, and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0015]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventionshowing the spray tube magnetically affixed to the outside surface ofthe aerosol canister.

[0016]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventionshowing an aerosol canister with a spray tube disengaged from the nozzleof the spray canister.

[0017]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventionshowing an aerosol canister with a spray tube inserted into the tubereceiving bore of the nozzle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an aerosol canister orcontainer 10 with an extension spray tube 12 magnetically affixed. Suchaerosol spray canisters, containing solvents, lubricants (such aslubricants sold under the trademark WD-40), and the like, are in commonuse, with the contents of the canister being under pressure for deliverythrough a very small orifice 20 in a nozzle 16 atop the container 10. Avalve, not shown, is interposed between the nozzle 16 and thepressurized interior of the container 10, with nozzle 16 thus being inselective communication with the pressurized interior of container 10,and the valve typically being operated by downward pressure upon thenozzle 16, thereby allowing the pressurized contents of the container 10to sprayingly emerge from orifice 20. Nozzle 16 has an enlargedtube-receiving bore 14 concentric with orifice 20 and adapted forclose-fitting receipt of one end of spray tube 12 so as to allow spraytube 12 to be an extension of nozzle 16. In a preferred embodiment thecylindrical portion 22 of container 10 is of greater length than thelength of the spray tube 12.

[0019] Referring to FIG. 2, a perspective view of an aerosol canister orcontainer 10 with an extension spray tube 12 ready for insertion afterremoval from the side of the container 10 is shown.

[0020]FIG. 3 illustrates the container 10 after insertion of theextension tube 12 into the nozzle 16.

[0021] It should be noted that the magnetic attraction may be due toeither the container 10 or the extension tube 12 being magneticallyconstructed or may be due to both the container 10 and the extensiontube 12 being magnetically constructed.

[0022] The extension tube 12 may be flexible and/or rigid. The extensiontube 12 in one embodiment may also be formed of steel or iron. Aflexible tube may be constructed from flexible permanent magneticmaterials which are often supplied in the form of sheets or rolls andhave been commercially available for many years. These materials aretypically prepared by mixing a powdered ferrite material with a suitablepolymeric or plastic binder into a uniform mixture. The polymericmaterials are often elastomers, and the process is therefore typicallyaccomplished through the use of sheet extrusion or calendering. Themixture is converted into strip or sheet form, providing a permanentstable product that is usually somewhat flexible, and that may bereadily handled and made into elements of any desired shape by cuttingand/or stamping. Alternatively, the extension tube 12 may be formedthrough an extrusion process and/or injection molded from magneticmaterials.

[0023] The magnetic material is permanently magnetized so as to maintaina permanent attraction and consistent bond, the magnetic field being ofsufficient strength for the magnetic tube to adhere to a magneticallyattracted surface, such as the surface of an iron or steel sheet orcontainer.

[0024] The magnetic material may suitably include about 75 weight % toabout 95 weight %, more suitably about 80 weight % to about 92 weight %,and most suitably about 85 wt-% to about 90 wt-% of a magnetic material,suitably about 5 wt % to about 25 wt-%, more suitably about 8 wt-% toabout 20 wt-% and most suitably about 10 wt-% to about 15 wt-% of apolymeric binder. The magnetic material is generally uniformly dispersedin the polymeric binder.

[0025] As used herein, the term “magnetic”(when applied to a substrate,article, object, etc.) shall refer to any material which exhibits apermanent magnetic behavior or is readily permanently magnetized.

[0026] Magnetic materials which are particularly suitable for use hereininclude the ferrites having the general formula (M²⁺O6Fe₂O₃) MFe₁₂O₁₉where M represents Ba or Sr.

[0027] Other examples of magnetic materials suitable for use hereininclude a rare earth-cobalt magnet of RCO₅ where R is one or more of therare earth elements such as Sm or Pr, yttrium (Y), lanthanum (La),cerium (Ce), and so forth.

[0028] Other specific examples of magnetic materials include, forinstance, manganese-bismuth, manganese-aluminum, and so forth.

[0029] The materials of the present invention are not limited to anyparticular magnetic material, and the scope of the invention istherefore not intended to be limited as such. While the above describedmaterials find particular utility in the present invention, othermaterials which are readily permanently magnetized may also find utilityherein.

[0030] The magnetic composition suitably includes about 70 wt-% or moreof the magnetic material as to have a sufficient attractive force forpractical uses. However, it is usually impractical to employ more than95 wt-% of the magnetic material because of production concerns, andalso because of the difficulty of retaining more than this in the bindermaterial. Furthermore, including more than about 95 wt-% of the magneticmaterial may lead to a rougher surface. The magnetic material is oftensupplied in a powder form.

[0031] The magnetic strength of the finished product is a function ofthe amount of magnetic material or powder in the mix, the surface area,thickness, and method of magnetization (e.g. whether it is aligned ornot).

[0032] The thermoplastic material, often referred to in the industry asa thermoplastic binder, suitable for use in the process of the presentinvention may include any polymeric material that is readily processiblewith the magnetic material on, for instance, the thermoplastic or hotmelt processing equipment as described in detail below. Suchthermoplastic materials include both thermoplastic elastomers andnon-elastomers or any mixture thereof.

[0033] The thermoplastic composition may be selected based on, for one,the type of printable substrate which is being used for the canister,and the adhesion obtained between the thermoplastic composition and theprintable substrate.

[0034] Examples of thermoplastic elastomers suitable for use hereininclude, but are not limited to, natural and synthetic rubbers andrubbery block copolymers, such as butyl rubber, neoprene,ethylene-propylene copolymers (EPM), ethylene-propylene-diene polymers(EPDM), polyisobutylene, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, styrene-butadiene(SBR), styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS),styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS), styrene-isoprene-styrene(SIS), styrene-isoprene (SI), styrene-ethylene/propylene (SEP),polyester elastomers, polyurethane elastomers, nitrile, nylon, nylon6/6, polyphenylsulfide or PPS, cross-linked nitrile rubber, and/orcross-linked polymers, to mention only a few, and mixtures thereof.Where appropriate, included within the scope of this invention are anycopolymers of the above described materials. The materials selected maybe chosen for retentive properties of the composition followingprolonged exposure to solvents being utilized within the canister. Theduration of utility of the extension tube 12 and canister is therebymaximized.

[0035] Examples of suitable commercially available thermoplasticelastomers such as SBS, SEBS, or SIS copolymers include KRATON® G (SEBSor SEP) and KRATON® D (SIS or SBS) block copolymers available fromKraton Polymers; VECTOR® (SIS or SBS) block copolymers available fromDexco Chemical Co.; and FINAPRENE® (SIS or SBS) block copolymersavailable from Atofina.

[0036] Some examples of non-elastomeric polymers include, but are notlimited to, polyolefins including polyethylene, polypropylene,polybutylene and copolymers and terpolymers thereof such as ethylenevinyl acetate copolymers (EVA), ethylene n-butyl acrylates (EnBA),ethylene methyl (meth) acrylates including ethylene methyl acrylates(EMA), ethylene ethyl (meth) acrylates including ethylene ethylacrylates (EEA), interpolymers of ethylene with at least one C₃ to C₂₀alphaolefin, polyamides, polyesters, polyurethanes, to mention only afew, and mixtures thereof. Where appropriate, copolymers of the abovedescribed materials also find utility herein.

[0037] Examples of polymers useful herein may be found in U.S. Pat. No.6,262,174 incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Polymericcompositions exhibiting high hot tack have been found to be particularlysuitable for use herein.

[0038] Examples of commercially available non-elastomeric polymersinclude EnBA copolymers available from such companies as Atofina underthe tradename of LOTRYL®, from ExxonMobil under the tradename ofESCORENE®, from Du Pont de Nemours & Co. under the tradename ofELVALOY®; EMA copolymers available from Exxon Chemical Co. under thetradename of OPTEMA®; EVA copolymers are available from Du Pont underthe tradename of ELVAX® and from Equistar under the tradename ofULTRATHENE® to name only a few.

[0039] In some embodiments of the present invention, the binder includesat least one polyolefin or polyalphaolefin, or a copolymer or terpolymerthereof. Examples of useful polyolefins include, but are not limited to,amorphous (i.e. atactic) polyalphaolefins (APAO) including amorphouspropylene homopolymers, propylene/ethylene copolymers,propylene/butylene copolymers and propylene/ethylene/butyleneterpolymers; isotactic polyalphaolefins; and linear or substantiallylinear interpolymers of ethylene and at least one alpha-olefinincluding, for instance, ethylene and 1-octene, ethylene and 1-butene,ethylene and 1-hexene, ethylene and 1-pentene, ethylene and 1-heptene,and ethylene and 4-methyl-1-pentene and so forth. In some embodiments,it may be preferable to employ a small amount of another polymer incombination with the polyalphaolefin such as maleic anhydride graftedpolymers which have been used to improve wetting and adhesion. Otherchemical grafting can be used, but maleic anhydride is by far the mostcommon. Usually only a few percent in grafting (1-5%) are used and mosttend to be ethylene or propylene copolymers.

[0040] The terms “polyolefin” and “polyalphaolefin” are often usedinterchangeably, and in fact, are often used interchangeably to describeamorphous polypropylenes (homo-, co- and terpolymers). For a detaileddescription of such materials, see U.S. Pat. No. 5,482,982, U.S. Pat.No. 5,478,891 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,397,843, 4,857,594, each of which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0041] The term “alpha” is used to denote the position of a substitutingatom or group in an organic compound.

[0042] As used herein, the terms “copolymer” and “interpolymer” shall beused to refer to polymers having two or more different comonomers, e.g.copolymer, terpolymer, and so forth.

[0043] Examples of commercially available amorphous polyolefins suitablefor use herein include those available under the tradename of REXTAC®from Huntsman Polymers including polypropylene homopolymers,propylene/ethylene copolymers and propylene-butene copolymers;VESTOPLAST® APAOs available from Hüls including homopolymers andcopolymers, as well as terpolymers of propylene/ethylene/butene; as wellas those available from Rexene and those available under the tradenameof EASTOFLEX® available from Eastman Chemical Co. in Kingsport, Tenn.

[0044] Examples of copolymers of a polyolefin and at least onealpha-olefin include metallocene catalyzed polyolefins (interpolymers ofethylene and at least one alphaolefin) commercially available from Exxonunder the tradename EXXACT®, and from Dupont Dow Elastomers under thetradename ENGAGE®, and from Dow under the tradename AFFINITY®.

[0045] Any of the polymeric materials useful herein may be used incombination with one another. Furthermore, other polymeric materials notspecifically described herein also find utility in the presentinvention. The list described above is intended for illustrativepurposes only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the presentinvention. One of skill in the art would understand that there are vastnumbers of polymeric materials available that may find utility herein.

[0046] Plasticizers are available from many sources and includeplasticizing oils, for instance. Plasticizing oils are often petroleumbased and are available from various petroleum companies.

[0047] Waxes may also be optionally added to the compositions to lowerthe melt viscosity and/or change rheological characteristics.

[0048] Other optional ingredients include, but are not limited to,antioxidants, dyes or pigments, UV agents, and so forth. Such optionalingredients are known to those of skill in the art and are typicallyadded in low concentrations which do not adversely affect the physicalcharacteristics of the composition. The list of materials describedabove is intended for illustrative purposes only, and is by no meansexclusive of the materials which may be employed in the magneticcomposition herein, and as such is not intended as a limit on the scopeof the invention herein.

[0049] It should be noted that following manufacture of the canister andextension tube, the extension tube in addition to magnetic attraction tothe exterior surface of the canister may be supplementally mechanicallyattached thereto by cellophane tape and/or rubber bands during shippingof the invention and/or prior to the use of the canister and magnetictube invention.

[0050] Although the present invention has been described and illustratedwith respect to a preferred embodiment and a preferred use therefore, itis not to be so limited since modifications and changes can be madetherein which are within the full intended scope of the invention.

I claim:
 1. A combination container and applicator comprising: a) acontainer having an outside surface and an interior; and b) saidapplicator comprising, a tube formed of ferromagnetic material, saidtube being constructed and arranged to be magnetically attracted to theoutside surface of the container for releasable affixation to saidoutside surface.
 2. The combination of claim 1, said containercomprising a nozzle.
 3. The combination of claim 2, said tube beingconstructed and arranged to be coupled to said nozzle.
 4. Thecombination of claim 2, wherein the container is under pressure.
 5. Thecombination of claim 1, wherein the container is constructed andarranged of ferromagnetic material, wherein said container ismagnetically attracted to the tube.
 6. The combination of claim 1,wherein the tube is constructed of plastic ferrite material.
 7. Thecombination of claim 1, wherein the tube is constructed of flexiblemagnetic material.
 8. The combination of claim 1, wherein the tube isconstructed of iron material.
 9. The combination of claim 1, wherein thetube is constructed of steel material.
 10. The combination of claim 1,the container comprising a cylindrical portion having a first lengthdimension, the tube having a second length dimension which is shorterthan the first length dimension.
 11. The combination of claim 1, thecontainer comprising a cylindrical portion having a first lengthdimension, said tube having a second length dimension which is longerthan the first length dimension.
 12. An applicator comprising: a) a tubeformed of ferro-magnetic material, said tube being constructed andarranged to be magnetically attached to an outside surface of acontainer wherein said tube is releasably affixed to said outsidesurface.
 13. The applicator of claim 12, wherein the tube is constructedof plastic ferrite material.
 14. The applicator of claim 12, wherein thetube is constructed of flexible magnetic material.
 15. The applicator ofclaim 12, wherein the tube is constructed of steel material.
 16. Theapplicator of claim 12, wherein the tube is constructed of ironmaterial.
 17. A method for use of a canister and an applicatorcomprising: a) constructing a canister having an exterior surface, saidexterior surface being formed of a material susceptible to magneticattraction, said canister having contents and a nozzle constructed andarranged to dispense said contents; b) forming an applicator comprisinga tube formed of material susceptible to magnetic attraction, said tubebeing constructed and arranged to be magnetically attracted to saidexterior surface of said canister, said tube being further constructedand arranged to be releasably affixed to said exterior surface of saidcanister; c) attaching said tube to said exterior surface of saidcanister for magnetic attraction thereto; d) transporting said canisterand said applicator to a desired location; e) removing said tube fromsaid exterior surface of said canister and coupling said tube to saidnozzle; and f) dispensing said contents through said tube.